Newbie - old 'Cron or older 'Lux

Two M-Hexanons and a Summilux in the classifieds right now.
...as if by magic...!

well after reading everyone's informative opinion and sleeping on the whole issue there seems to be a majority consensus for me to try a rigid DR/Summicron which is what I think I'll do, so please keep your eyes peeled - as you're all more acute to spotting a good one than I am. If I'm dissatisfied then I can look for something more modern and spend a bit more cash.

from all your replies it seems as though it was made in the 60's should I look for any particular period, were there any bad apple years? and I also notice that some come with goggles and others don't, is there any reason for this?
 
Don't listen to me

Don't listen to me

I paid a fortune for a very clean very perfect optics very unsued looking 1961 DR Summicron complete with matching goggles and fitted case. The good news is I don't mind a bit paying what I paid. The lens is perfect. I wish I were as good at using it as the lens is at being used. Did that make sense?

Read and read again Stephen Gandy's history of the Dual Range Summicron at www.cameraquest.com. Everything will be made clear. There were two versions with minor variations in focus markings and the googles changed. I can't remember everything, but I think one of the googles fits both mounts.

Look out for the usual flaws: cleaning marks, haze, stiff focusing. DAG, Sherry Krauter and others can fix the haze and focusing. If you're a real stickler, make sure that the serial number of the optics unit (they unscrew from the focusing mount) matches the number on the focusing mount. I think, but don't know for sure, that the two halves were matched at the factory.

Bad news: The lens needs modification and you loose close focusing on the M8 and ZI bodies.

Why goggles or no goggles? Same reason lenses have or don't have lens hoods. Stuff happens over the years. Actually, the goggles may have been an option that some folks didn't purchase. If you think you want the goggles, buy them with the lens. The goggles can get pricey buying them alone.

Good luck! I hope you get a good one and like it.
 
Back
Top Bottom